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Sporting Lagos will look to secure a major away result when they face Kano Pillars at the Sani Abacha Stadium on Saturday in one of the key fixtures of Matchday 7 of the Nigeria Premier Football League.
The encounter comes as teams begin to establish their positions on the league table, with defending champions Enugu Rangers leading the standings and Rivers United also among the early contenders.
Barau FC remain unbeaten but have slipped to third place, while Enyimba are showing signs of recovery after securing a draw away to Kano Pillars before defeating Shooting Stars in Aba.
Kano Pillars have built a formidable home record, winning 10 of their last 11 league matches at the Sani Abacha Stadium.
Sporting Lagos, however, head into the encounter with renewed confidence after their notable away victory over Enyimba in Aba.
Coach Jeff Buter said the result had boosted his players’ belief and would encourage them to push for another positive result against Pillars.
Elsewhere, Enugu Rangers will face Abia Warriors in an Oriental derby in Ozoro, with the defending champions seeking to maintain their strong start to the campaign.
Rangers will approach the encounter with confidence after defeating Warri Wolves away from home, while Abia Warriors also recorded a convincing victory over Bendel Insurance.
Despite Rangers’ recent form, the derby could prove difficult, with Abia Warriors having established themselves as a challenging opponent in recent meetings.
Rivers United will host Ikorodu City as the Port Harcourt club turns its attention fully to domestic competition following its continental commitments.
Both sides have experienced inconsistent form, with Ikorodu City hoping to rediscover the momentum that characterised their impressive campaign last season.
In Aba, Enyimba will welcome Plateau United as the hosts seek to build on their recent revival.
The Aba giants ended a five-match losing streak by earning a draw at Kano Pillars and followed it with a convincing victory over Shooting Stars.
Plateau United, however, will provide a stern test after recording three victories without defeat in their last five matches.
Shooting Stars will host Nasarawa United as they attempt to respond to their defeat against Enyimba.
Inter Lagos, still searching for their first home win of the season, will entertain Katsina United at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena.
Meanwhile, unbeaten Barau FC will travel to Benin City to face Bendel Insurance as the Matchday 7 fixtures take centre stage across the NPFL.
